ktel

Would you prefer a 16v S n/a or an 8v n/a ? As far as I know there are some maintenance issues (timing chain, chain tensioner) that should concern a potential buyer. Are these issues so important to make me ignore the 16v versions ? Is the 16v engine more difficult to work on for an amateur mechanic ?

ClassJ

As far as a 2.5L or a later 2.7 or 3.0L ?

If you are asking about the 2.5L 944S, I never heard that they were much better torque wise but have never driven one either.

To me, if I was buying another 944, it would be a late S2 or a 968.

The 8V might be a tad simpler, but in reality, you have the same water pump, nearly the same belts, etc. Just a chain up top in the head connecting the cams.

A valve job would be more costly, but I would not place much value in that difference.

harrisonrick

Well, you get 188 HP vs. @ 150 Hp from the 16 valver....(the cam tensioner pads are the main culprit for failures...with proper maintenance the 16 valve is just as reliable.)

To get an additional 38 HP from a 8 valve NA you'd empty your wallet many times over.

Unless its a 2.5 951....

Wipeout

To me, depends on how much maintenance history there is. If you have a spotty service history on a 16v engine, I'd probably stay away from it. If I remember correctly, the S is a 2.5L with a 16v head. That is probably cheaper in the event of a big engine problem than an S2 with 3.0L. If you're looking for something that's "cheap" (as far as a Porsche goes) to repair, 8v is probably cheaper. If you're looking for fun? S2 is my winner if you're not going to go the turbo route.

b5audia4

Even though I have a "S", a 8v is definitely simpler to get up to spec if you have spotty history. The add'n power is definitely not as great as a "S2", but I can definitely feel the difference from a standard N/A.

jstand22

The S2 is without a doubt the best n/a of the 944 series. If you can get your hands on one go for it. If it's not within reach of your budget then get an S. If the maintenance history is good then it will be just as reliable as any other cared for 8v. As someone who has driven both, the extra horsepower is very noticeable in the high rpm-range. Low rpm driving the 944 and 944 S are very similar in that both of their torque outputs blow.

yellowline

S cars tend to come with more options, if that's any consideration. I parted one with full power seats. Good luck finding that in an 8v.

The stronger transaxle in the S is also a plus.

You also get late offset with the S, which is good if you plan to update the wheels. The majority of 8v cars are early offset.

ktel

I will meet a guy who sells a 2.5 944 S. He says he has spent a lot of money on the car over the 2 years he owns it (new paintjob, clutch etc). But I doubt he has the receipts to prove the maintenance... Here in Greece almost nobody asks for a receipt when has the car in the workshop. I didn't know the S has a stronger transaxle. For me it's a big plus. How much would cost the parts for a preventive fist service in the case that there is no documented history ?

Wipeout

Belts, rollers, water pump labor...$1000-ish? Chain tensioner and chain...$500? I'm totally guessing, in terms of labor, but that would replace the major "gotchas" in the engine...

Voith

no real diference between 2.5 16v or 8v engines. 16v is a tiny bit more powerful at the top end, but 8v (euro) is better at low end.

harrisonrick

A brand new chain tensioner with pads can be had for under $500...and 1 hour is more than enough time to fix.

The timing and balance belt kits sell dirt cheap.

My first 944 was a eurospec 1983 944...and there is a big difference in the two cars. The bottom end torque is fairly equal until @ 4000 rpms when the 16 valve will take off.

Mine is chipped with a 944S MAXHP chip from Russell Berry and it has really come to life. I've also maxed out the exhaust to 2.5 inch (dyno proven to be the largest size recommended for 944S) and added a K & N air element.

With all these mods I could safely say she's pulling at least 208-220 HP.

To get this from an 8 valve would cost you thousands.

One other thing about the S...is its rareness. It was only made in 87 and 88.

I'm only comparing the 8 valve to the 16 valve 2.5.

Makis

I would go for the 16V. You will need to have a good check on the engine. If it does not feel it has the 190hp you know you will have work to do to get it right. Usually this involves a head job.

smlporsche

I have a 3.0 16 valve w/ an opened intake and exhaust and a chip and I have dynoed my car at 197 at the wheels..

I seriously doubt you're anywhere near that. Sorry

BTW to the OP the S2 is the best car. Period.

VaSteve

Is that from your S2?

ClassJ

I am sure the S is faster...and never having driven one, I really can't say yes or no.....

But most people I have spoken to and the reviews of the day all pointed out that the S was faster in the higher RPM ranges. Which really is not what bothers me personally about the 2.5 8V. The 2.5 8V and 16V were just not torque monsters and only displacement can really fix that. Which means S2 or 968.